Cable Tray Expansion Splice Plate for Support and Thermal Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion splice plates for cable tray runs require additional supports at each end of adjacent sections, making installation more time-consuming and expensive, and result in greater deflection when quarter-span supports are eliminated due to inadequate support.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray expansion splice plate with elongate body, planar central section, upper and lower flange sections, and vertically-aligned slot-shaped fastener openings that allow for longitudinal movement between cable tray sections, reducing the need for additional supports by providing adequate support at the splice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional expansion splice plates are used, then cable tray sections can be spliced together, but additional supports must be installed at each end of adjacent sections, making installation more time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate merges the functions of splicing and support into a single integrated component. The splice plate body structurally supports the cable tray run at the splice location, eliminating the need for separate additional support installations at each end of adjacent sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate performs multiple functions: it connects adjacent cable tray sections together while simultaneously providing structural support for the cable tray run at the splice location. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and installation steps.
2Productivity
If conventional expansion splice plates are used, then cable tray sections can be connected, but eliminating quarter-span supports results in greater deflection of the cable tray run
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate combines the connection function with the support function, allowing quarter-span supports to be eliminated while maintaining adequate support at splice locations. The integrated support capability prevents excessive deflection that would otherwise occur when reducing the number of quarter-span supports.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional expansion splice plates with slot-shaped openings are used, then longitudinal movement is permitted, but the splice lacks adequate support without additional supports
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate integrates the expansion accommodation mechanism (slot-shaped openings) with the support structure (elongate body) into a single component. The slot-shaped openings permit longitudinal movement for thermal expansion while the elongate body provides structural support at the splice location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective installation by minimizing the number of required supports and reducing cable tray run deflection, while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction without additional support at each end.
Implementation Method 1
Splicing cable tray sections using expansion splice plates is required when installing the cable tray run outdoors where temperature variations may cause thermal expansion and contraction of the cable tray sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section and the lower flange section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.